$28
weeklyor $112 for 8 classes
Create Your First Short Film: Script It. Plan It. Shoot It.
Ages 13-17
Live Group Course
Live video meetings
2x per week, 4 weeks
3-6 learners per class
175 min
What's included
8 live meetings
23 hrs 20 mins in-class hoursAssignments
1-2 hours per week. Completed 1-Page Script Each student will finish the course with their own short film script, written and formatted with professional guidance. Professional Templates & Examples Learners will receive downloadable templates for scriptwriting, shot lists, and pre-production planning—plus real examples to help guide their work. A Step-by-Step Filmmaking Guide Students will walk away with a clear start-to-finish process they can follow to plan and prepare a short film on their own, even after the course ends.Certificate of Completion
Students who actively participate in all sessions and complete the core class activities—writing a 1-page script, completing a script breakdown, and creating a shot list—will receive a personalized Certificate of Completion at the end of the course. This certificate will recognize their effort, creativity, and new skills in screenwriting and pre-production planning. Certificates will be sent digitally via Outschool messages after the final class.Class Experience
US Grade 9 - 12
Beginner Level
In this 4-week course, students will learn the basics of filmmaking by writing a one-page short film script, breaking it down for production, and planning camera angles to visually tell their story. By the end, they’ll have a completed script, pre-production plan, and shot list they can optionally use to film their project at home. What will be taught: How to write a 1-page short film script How to break down a script into characters, props, and locations Introduction to camera angles and visual storytelling How to create a shot list and basic storyboard Topics by Week (2 classes/week): Week 1: Story building, script format, and writing your short film Week 2: Script breakdown – identifying what’s needed for each scene Week 3: Understanding camera angles and planning how to shoot the script Week 4: Creating a shot list and basic storyboard + optional filming tips Class Format & Teaching Style: Each 55-minute session includes: A short teaching segment with slides, visuals, or examples Hands-on creative work time (writing or planning) Group discussion and time to share ideas One-on-one feedback opportunities throughout the course My style is energetic, supportive, and beginner-friendly. I guide students step-by-step through the filmmaking process and create space for every learner to share and ask questions. No experience is required—just creativity and curiosity! Learner Interaction: Students will collaborate during brainstorms, share script ideas, and get individual guidance Interaction happens through group discussion, class sharing, and written feedback Students may optionally film their short scene outside of class using a phone or camera This class is a great first step for any student interested in storytelling, filmmaking, or creative media. They’ll leave with the tools and confidence to turn their ideas into short films—even beyond this course.
Learning Goals
How to Write a Short Film Script (1 Page )Students will learn the key components of a short film script, including structure (beginning, middle, end), character development, and formatting. They will create their own 1-page script.
How to Break Down a Script for Pre-Production. Students will learn how to identify the essential elements of their script, including props, locations, characters, and time of day. This will help them create a clear pre-production plan.
Syllabus
8 Lessons
over 4 WeeksLesson 1:
What Makes a Great Short Film?
We’ll explore how short films tell powerful stories in just a few minutes. Students will learn about story structure, brainstorm ideas, and begin outlining a one-page script.
175 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Writing a One-Page Script
We’ll cover script formatting basics and how to write visually for the screen. Students will complete their first draft of a 1-page screenplay and learn how to give and receive helpful feedback.
175 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
How to Break Down a Script Like a Filmmaker
Students will learn how to pull key details from their scripts—like props, locations, and characters—and organize everything needed to plan their film.
175 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Planning the Shoot (Scheduling, Props, and Prep)
We’ll turn the script into a pre-production plan: what needs to be filmed, where, and when. Students will begin creating a simple shoot schedule and a checklist for their scene.
175 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Supply List
Optional- Cell phone or any video recording device.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Meet the teacher
Teacher expertise and credentials
👋 Hi! I’m Bettina, and I’m so excited to bring my filmmaking experience to your learner!
I’m an award-winning director with hands-on experience working on major film and TV productions for networks like Netflix, HBO, Starz, AMC, and Hulu. You can explore my professional background and credits here: My IMDb Profile.
I’ve worked in key roles on large studio sets—everything from assistant directing to production coordination—so I know what it takes to bring a story from script to screen. My most recent short film was screened at Ayrsley Grand Cinemas in Charlotte, NC, and I love guiding new storytellers through their own creative journeys.
I’ve also taught and mentored young creatives in workshop settings, combining real industry knowledge with a supportive, step-by-step teaching style. My goal is to make filmmaking approachable and fun—whether your learner is just starting out or already bursting with story ideas.
By the end of this class, students will not only understand how short films are made—they’ll walk away with something they created themselves!
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